The purpose of treating actinic keratosis, a skin condition induced by prolonged sun exposure, is to prevent these precancerous lesions from developing into skin cancer. Actinic keratosis can be treated with topical medications, cryotherapy, curettage and electrodesiccation, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and laser therapy. To target and eliminate abnormal cells, lotions or gels containing fluorouracil, imiquimod, ingenol mebutate, or diclofenac are administered directly to the affected area. "Curettage" and "electrification" refer to removing damaged skin with a curette and destroying any remaining abnormal cells by electrically searing the treated area.
A photosensitizing agent is applied to the afflicted area in photodynamic therapy. After activation by specific wavelengths of light, the agent kills abnormal cells. Only defective cells are targeted and eliminated by laser therapy. Variables include the patient's general health, the number, distribution, and thickness of lesions, as well as the recommended treatment. A dermatologist must be consulted to ascertain the optimal course of action. Regular examinations and UV protection are crucial for preventing the recurrence of actinic keratosis and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
It is anticipated that an increase in the prevalence of the condition that causes actinic keratosis will lead to a rise in the demand for medications that treat actinic keratosis. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, more than 58 million Americans are affected by actinic keratosis, the most common precancerous condition. In addition, according to an article published in News Medical, the incidence of actinic keratosis in the United States is roughly 10.2% in females and 26.5% in males. This statistic referred to the gender disparity in the condition's prevalence. This information was garnered from responses to a survey that was conducted.
As a result, it is anticipated that the prevalence of actinic keratosis disease and the utilization of topical treatment solutions for actinic keratosis will increase. As a consequence of this, the expansion of the global market will be accelerated.
In the coming years, the availability of improved infrastructure in the pharmaceutical industry, an increase in pharmaceutical companies, and an increase in demand for actinic keratosis treatment products are anticipated to be the key growth drivers of the actinic keratosis treatment market. It is anticipated that opportunities in emerging markets will drive this growth.
Significant growth in the healthcare industry in emerging nations is driven by a substantial increase in the demand for superior, sophisticated manufacturing systems and substantial government investments to enhance healthcare infrastructure. This expansion is occurring at a rapid rate. The rising incidence of actinic keratosis in countries such as Australia and New Zealand would permit the expansion of this market.
North America is the most significant global actinic keratosis treatment market shareholder and is estimated to exhibit a CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period. An increased incidence of actinic keratosis in the North American market is expanding as a result of factors including rising actinic keratosis treatment drug demand, the availability of high-tech healthcare facilities with skilled medical staff, and an increase in the number of R&D projects to create actinic keratosis therapies.
For instance, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) reports that 60% of Americans who are 40 or older are likely to have at least one actinic keratosis lesion. Fair-skinned people frequently develop actinic keratosis, which is more common in places with much sun exposure. Due to a higher frequency of actinic keratosis, the United States held the highest share of the global market for actinic keratosis treatments. According to several studies, the most frequent outpatient dermatologic procedure in the United States is the removal of actinic keratoses.
Europe is anticipated to exhibit a CAGR of 4.2% over the forecast period. The market for treating actinic keratosis in European nations is anticipated to expand steadily throughout the forecast period. The availability of sophisticated actinic keratosis treatment products and the rising demand for actinic keratosis treatment products impact the market's expansion in this area. Additionally, the expansion of the actinic keratosis patient population, a developed pharmaceutical industry infrastructure, and the accessibility of qualified specialists are the other major growth drivers in Europe.
Furthermore, actinic keratosis is most common in northern Europe, where 17% of people are affected completely. For instance, actinic keratosis is the reason for every third dermatologist appointment in some nations, including Germany. Actinic keratosis was the most popular dermatological condition in Germany, where the prevalence of the disorder has increased more rapidly than other dermatological conditions during the past ten years. According to a European guideline, actinic keratosis is becoming the most prevalent in situ carcinoma in humans, which affects millions of individuals globally.